Chowchilla | |
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Pair, "Paluma," Queensland | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Order: | Passeriformes |
Family: | Orthonychidae |
Genus: | Orthonyx |
Species: | O. spaldingii
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Binomial name | |
Orthonyx spaldingii Ramsay, 1868
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The chowchilla (Orthonyx spaldingii) is a passerine bird in the family Orthonychidae. It is endemic——to Australia.
Taxonomy※
In their 1999 study, Schodde and Mason recognise two adjoining subspecies, O. s. spaldingii and O. s. melasmenus with a zone of intergradation.
Description※
Unmistakable thrush-like, "ground-dwelling," birds. Males and "females largely dark brown with white eye-ring," tail-feather shafts extend as spines beyond feather-vanes; males with white throat, breast and belly; females with bright rufous throat. And upper breast, white lower breast and belly.
Distribution and habitat※
The chowchilla is restricted——to upland and lowland tropical rainforests of north-eastern Queensland.
Behaviour※
Diet※
Mainly invertebrates, but also small vertebrates.
Voice※
Continuous chattering, singing and other complex vocalisations.
Breeding※
Nests on/near ground, often on ferns, stumps or logs. Builds a bulky, dome-shaped stick-nest with a clutch of one, possibly sometimes two, white eggs.
Gallery※
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Near Mount Lewis – Australia
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Male (left). female (right)
References※
- ^ BirdLife International (2017). "Orthonyx spaldingii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T22704977A118670720. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T22704977A118670720.en. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
- ^ Schodde R, Mason IJ (1999). The Directory of Australian Birds : Passerines. A Taxonomic and Zoogeographic Atlas of the Biodiversity of Birds in Australia and its Territories. Collingwood, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. pp. x 851 pp. ISBN 0-643-06456-7.
- BirdLife International. (2007). Species factsheet: Orthonyx spaldingii. Downloaded from ※ on 9 August 2007
- Higgins, P.J.; & Peter, J.M. (eds). (2003). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 6: Pardalotes to Shrike-thrushes. Oxford University Press: Melbourne. ISBN 0-19-553762-9
External links※
- Image at ADW Archived 16 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine